When you think about air pollution, you probably picture smog or car exhaust, but the truth is, the air inside your home can be more polluted than the air outside. According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), indoor air pollutant levels can be 2 to 5 times higher, and sometimes even over 100 times higher, than outdoor levels. Considering that Americans spend about 90% of their time indoors, poor indoor air quality (IAQ) is something that can’t be ignored.
Your home should be a place of comfort and health, but hidden pollutants can affect your well-being in both the short and long term. Let’s take a closer look at how poor indoor air quality impacts your everyday life and what you can do to improve it.
Immediate Effects of Poor Indoor Air Quality
Exposure to poor IAQ can cause noticeable symptoms, even after a short period of time. Signs of poor IAQ include :
- Irritation of the eyes, nose, and throat: Common indoor pollutants can cause burning, itching, watery eyes, or a sore throat.
- Headaches: Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) or carbon monoxide exposure can trigger persistent headaches.
- Fatigue and dizziness: Poor ventilation can make indoor air feel stale and lead to tiredness or lightheadedness.
- Difficulty concentrating: Airborne chemicals and allergens can affect brain function, making it harder to focus.
- Worsening asthma or allergies: Dust mites, mold spores, and pet dander can aggravate asthma and allergy symptoms, leading to coughing, wheezing, and shortness of breath.
Even if these issues seem minor, they can significantly impact your comfort, productivity, and quality of life.
Long-Term Health Impacts
Over time, exposure to poor indoor air quality can lead to much more serious health consequences:
- Respiratory diseases: Prolonged exposure to pollutants can contribute to chronic conditions such as asthma or COPD.
- Increased respiratory infections: Poor IAQ weakens the respiratory system, making you more vulnerable to illnesses like bronchitis or pneumonia.
- Cardiovascular problems: Fine particulate matter from cooking, burning, or poor ventilation can increase the risk of heart attacks and strokes.
- Cancer risks: Radon gas and secondhand smoke are major indoor carcinogens linked to lung cancer. Some VOCs may also increase cancer risk over time.
The effects of poor indoor air quality go far beyond a few days of discomfort — they can have lasting implications for your family’s long-term health and wellness.
Improving Your Indoor Air Quality
The good news is that improving your IAQ is possible with a few proactive steps:
- Ensure proper ventilation. Open windows when possible and use exhaust fans in kitchens and bathrooms to reduce humidity and pollutants.
- Control humidity. Keep indoor humidity between 30–50% to reduce mold growth and dust mite activity.
- Add an air purification system. Whole-home air purifiers can capture fine particles and neutralize pollutants.
- Schedule professional IAQ testing. An HVAC professional can assess your home’s air quality and recommend targeted solutions for cleaner, healthier air.
Breathe Easier Every Day
Poor indoor air quality doesn’t just make you uncomfortable — it can affect every aspect of your health and daily life. By identifying and addressing indoor air pollutants, you can create a cleaner, safer, and more comfortable environment for you and your family.
Committed to Service, Committed to You, Since 1974. Contact Regal Plumbing, Heating and A/C today to schedule an indoor air quality consultation and start breathing easier in your home.